Category:Compassion
Theme Analysis
Compassion is a fundamental quality of the godly nature, yet its true efficacy depends on understanding the difference between the material body and the eternal soul. Śrīla Prabhupāda clarifies that while ordinary mercy often focuses on the "outward dress" of a living entity, spiritual compassion seeks to rescue the soul from the ocean of nescience. This analysis explores how this virtue is applied by the Supreme Lord and His devotees to elevate the fallen. It also examines the boundaries of compassion, noting that while it requires an equal vision toward all living beings, it must be exercised with discrimination to ensure that the recipient is truly benefited and raised toward self-realization.
- Spiritual vs. Material Focus: Compassion for the eternal soul is a symptom of self-realization, whereas compassion for the gross material body is considered a sign of ignorance.
- The Heart of the Devotee: A Vaisnava is naturally compassionate, unable to bear the distress of others, and is willing to sacrifice personal interests to propagate Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
- Relative and Discriminating Practice: Compassion is a relative activity often directed from a superior to an inferior to raise them to a proper standard; it does not imply treating all entities identically to the Supreme Lord.
- Explore a synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: True Application of Compassion.
- Explore a synthesized essence of this category in this Vanipedia article: Peril of Being Overly Compassionate for the Material Body.
Subcategories
This category has the following 27 subcategories, out of 27 total.
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Pages in category "Compassion"
The following 126 pages are in this category, out of 126 total.
1
A
- A cheater brahmacari should immediately be rejected as unimportant. Such persons should be shown compassion, and if one has sufficient strength one should teach them to stop them from following the wrong path in life
- A person who is unable to bear another's distress is called compassionate
- A pretender is bewildered by the external energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and one should either reject him from any position, or taking compassion upon him, teach him, if possible, to resume his original position
- According to the Visva-kosa dictionary, the word maya is used in the sense of false pride and also in the sense of compassion
- Akrura should not have been so merciless but should have taken compassion on them. The gopis went on to say, "The most astonishing feature is that Krsna, the son of Nanda, without consideration, has already seated Himself on the chariot"
- All glories to Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the most merciful incarnation! All glories to Lord Nityananda, whose heart is always compassionate
- All the commanders of the parties on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra were standing face to face, and Arjuna saw them with great compassion and lamented that he was to kill his kinsmen on the battlefield for the sake of the empire
- All the great sages assembled together and, after observing cruel Vena's atrocities, concluded that a great danger and catastrophe was approaching the people of the world. Thus out of compassion they began to talk amongst themselves
- "All the inhabitants of the palace" includes Kamsa. When everyone lamented, Kamsa joined in compassion, thinking that perhaps because of drugs or some other external means, Devaki had undergone this abortion
- Although there are gulfs of differences between them, with the ecstasy of parental affection a mixture of laughter, compassion or dread is compatible
- Any cruel person - be he a man, woman or impotent eunuch - who is only interested in his personal maintenance and has no compassion for other living entities may be killed by the king. Such killing can never be considered actual killing
- Arjuna took compassion that, "I don't want victory. Better not to fight." So that is the cause of describing the science of Bhagavad-gita before Arjuna, just to induce him to act as a dutiful soldier. This is the background of Bhagavad-gita
- At that time, Lord Brahma, the original person of this universe, felt compassion for Priyavrata and, looking upon him with a smiling face, spoke to him as follows
B
- Beggars always present themselves as possessing nothing, and this may be very good for them because in this way they are assured of not losing their money and of always drawing the attention and compassion of others for the sake of collection
- Being compassionate and favoring Krsna and Balarama, the many ladies in the audience began to talk as follows, "Dear friends, there is injustice here." Another said, "Even in front of the King this wrestling is going on between incompatible sides"
- Being very much ashamed, Indra fell down at the lotus feet of the great sage and begged his pardon. Being compassionate, the sage turned the vaginas into eyes; therefore Indra possesses hundreds and thousands of eyes all over his body
- Bharata Maharaja had to accept the body of a deer due to being overly compassionate for this infant deer
- Brahma first looked upon Priyavrata with compassion. His smile and compassionate features also indicated that although Brahma would request Priyavrata to accept household life, Priyavrata would not be out of touch with devotional service
C
- Charity to the poor is sometimes given out of compassion, but if a poor man is not worth giving charity to, then there is no spiritual advancement. In other words, indiscriminate charity is not recommended in the Vedic literature. BG 1972 purports
- Compassionately, he (Arjuna) said to Krsna, "My dear Krsna, I don't wish to fight. Let my cousin brothers enjoy the kingdom. I cannot kill them in this fight." This is the subject matter of Bhagavad-gita
E
- Even an ordinary ksatriya does not kill a surrendered person and what to speak of Maharaja Pariksit who was by nature compassionate and kind to the poor. He was smiling because the artificially dressed Kali had disclosed his identity as a lower-class man
- Even though one is in the renounced order, one who is advanced certainly feels compassion for suffering living entities. One should certainly neglect his own personal interests, although they may be very important, to protect one who has surrendered
- Every man should act like this: when he meets a person more qualified than himself, he should be very pleased; with someone less qualified than himself, he should be compassionate toward him; and with someone equal to himself, he should make friendship
H
- Having served him for a long time, she grew weak and emaciated due to her religious observances. Seeing her condition, Kardama, the foremost of celestial sages, was overcome with compassion and spoke to her in a voice choked with great love
- He (Maharaj Pariksit) was a kind and compassionate emperor, fully worthy of accepting surrender even from his enemy. Thus the personality of Kali was saved by the will of Providence
- He (Sanjaya) was fully compassionate toward Dhrtarastra because in the game of the Battle of Kuruksetra, King Dhrtarastra had lost everything, men and money, and at last the King and the Queen had to leave home in utter frustration
- He (the intelligent person) is happy because he has no anxieties of material existence, but as a compassionate sympathizer he feels unhappiness for the suffering materialistic men
I
- If there is a superior person present, the superior person cannot be the object of our mercy. Rather, we are objects for the mercy of the superior person. Therefore showing compassion and mercy is a relative activity
- If we human beings, if we forget even ordinary mercy, compassion and gratefulness, then what is that human life?
- In addition to the five direct mellows, there are seven indirect mellows, known as laughter, wonder, chivalry, compassion, anger, disaster and fear
- In reply to questions asked by certain sages, he (Svayambhuva Manu), out of compassion for all living entities, taught the diverse sacred duties of men in general and the different varnas and asramas
- In Satyaloka is no pain of any kind, and therefore there are no anxieties, save that sometimes, due to consciousness, there is a feeling of compassion for those unaware of the process of devotional service, who are subjected to unsurpassable miseries
- In the morning Her (Radharani's) body is bathed in the nectar of compassion, in the afternoon in the nectar of youth, and in the evening in the nectar of luster itself. In this way the bathing is performed
- In this instance there is a mixture of laughter and compassion, but there is no incompatibility because by both of these rasas the loving affection for Krsna is increased
- Instead of being oppressive to a less qualified man, one should be compassionate toward him just to raise him to the proper standard
- It appears that Srimati Devahuti, the glorious mother of Lord Kapiladeva, is very compassionate for the regrettable condition of people in general, who, not knowing the goal of life, are sleeping in the darkness of illusion
- It is the civilization of pasu, animal civilization, polished animals. It is not civilization. It is the duty of the guardian, father, guru, government or elderly relative - everyone should be compassionate with the dependent
K
- Kalakanya continued: O gentle one (King of the Yavanas), I am now present before you to serve you. Please accept me and thus show me mercy. It is a gentleman's greatest duty to be compassionate upon a person who is distressed
- Kardama Muni took compassion upon her, thinking, "This girl has come to me, but now she is not in a very comfortable position." Therefore by his yogic powers, Kardama Muni created a large palace with many servants, gardens and other opulences
- Kardama Muni was directed by the Lord to be very compassionate and liberal in his householder life and to give assurance to the people in his renounced life
- King Huhu was very sorry when cursed in that way (to become a crocodile), and he begged pardon from the sage (Devala Rsi), who in compassion gave him the benediction that he would be freed when Gajendra was delivered by the Personality of Godhead
- Krsna said that, You (Arjuna) are recognized, one of the maha-rathas. So what the other maha-rathas will think of you? They will not consider that out of compassion you did not fight. They will think that out of fear you have left the battlefield
- Krsna said, "With great compassion our gurudeva said, "My dear boys, it is very wonderful that you have suffered so much trouble for me"
L
- Laksmidevi shows compassion toward women who worship the Lord for the benediction of possessing a good husband. Although such women desire to be happy with children, wealth, a long duration of life and everything dear to them, they cannot possibly do so
- Lord Buddha, he cheated the demons. Why he cheated? Sadaya-hrdaya darsita-pasu-ghatam. He was very compassionate. God is always sympathetic to all living entities because everyone is His son
- Lord Krsna continued to give His verdict to Arjuna: Do not think that the great generals like Duryodhana, Karna, and other contemporaries will think that you have left the battlefield out of compassion for your brothers and grandfather. BG 1972 purports
- Lord Sri Krsna appeared on this planet out of compassion for fallen souls; Lord Buddha appeared out of compassion for the poor animals who were being killed by the demons; Lord Nrsimhadeva appeared out of compassion for Prahlada Maharaja
M
- Maharaja Bharata's compassion for the deer was the beginning of his falldown into the material world
- Maharaja Pariksit, who was qualified to accept surrender and worthy of being sung in history, did not kill the poor surrendered and fallen Kali, but smiled compassionately, for he was kind to the poor
- Mana indicates a superior, and dana indicates one who gives charitable gifts or is compassionate towards an inferior. We cannot treat the Supreme Personality of Godhead as an inferior who is dependent on our charitable gifts
- Material compassion, lamentation and tears are all signs of ignorance of the real self. Compassion for the eternal soul is self-realization. The word - Madhusudana - is significant in this verse (BG 2.1). BG 1972 purports
- Maya is very strong. In the name of philanthropy, altruism and communism, people are feeling compassion for suffering humanity throughout the world
- My dear brahmana, you have carried out the order thoroughly because you are also as compassionate as the Lord. It is my duty, therefore, to offer you something, but all I possess are but remnants of food taken by great saintly persons
- My dear lord, you are never bewildered by the formidable influence of the illusory energy of the SPG. Therefore you are omniscient and should be merciful and compassionate toward those who are bewildered by the same illusory energy
N
- Nabhaga was very simple hearted. Therefore when he went to his father, the father, in compassion for his son, suggested that as a means of livelihood Nabhaga could go to the descendants of Angira and take advantage of their misgivings in performing yajna
- No one knows where compassion should be applied. Compassion for the dress of a drowning man is senseless. A man fallen in the ocean of nescience cannot be saved simply by rescuing his outward dress - the gross material body. BG 1972 purports
O
- O cakravaki, you keep your eyes wide open at night because you cannot see your friend. Indeed, you are suffering very much. Is it because of compassion that you are crying, or are you trying to capture Krsna by remembering Him
- One should also have compassion for the people in general, who are suffering due to forgetfulness of Krsna. These important functions will make one happy within this material world
- One who has no compassion for humanity in its suffering and does not sacrifice his impermanent body for the higher causes of religious principles or eternal glory is certainly pitied even by the immovable beings
- One who is interested in his own salvation is not as advanced in Krsna consciousness as one who feels compassion for others and who therefore propagates the Krsna consciousness movement
- One who is pandita, one who is learned, he sees every living entity on the equal footing. Therefore a Vaisnava is so compassionate. Lokanam hita-karinau (Sad-gosvamy-astaka 2). They can actually do the beneficial work to the human being
- Out of compassion for her dead sons, Devaki appealed to Lord Krsna and Balarama thus: "My dear Balarama, Your very name suggests that You give all pleasure and all strength to everyone"
- Out of compassion, the great sage Vyasadeva thought it wise that this would enable men to achieve the ultimate goal of life. Thus he compiled the great historical narration called the Mahabharata for women, laborers and friends of the twice-born
P
- Pariksit Maharaja, simply by hearing from Sukadeva Gosvami that "A person, if he commits sinful activities, he suffers like that," he is not seeing; he is compassionate: "How such person can be delivered?" This is the inquiry
- Prthu Maharaja argues, however, that if a citizen within the state - be he man, woman or eunuch - is not compassionate upon his fellow men, he or she may be killed by the king, and such killing is never to be considered actual killing
S
- Sadhu means that they are always compassionate with the sufferings of the people in general. That is sadhu
- Sanjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion and very sorrowful, his eyes brimming with tears, Madhusudana, Krsna, spoke the following words. BG 2.1 - 1972
- Sanjaya said: Seeing Arjuna full of compassion, his mind depressed, his eyes full of tears, Madhusudana, Krsna, spoke the following words
- Seeing the activities of the world, the Acarya felt compassion and began to ponder how He could act for the people's benefit
- Showing compassion and mercy is a relative activity. It is not the Absolute Truth. Apart from this, we also must know what actual mercy is. To give a sick man something forbidden for him to eat is not mercy. Rather, it is cruelty
- Showing compassion to all living entities, you will attain self-realization. Giving assurance of safety to all, you will perceive your own self as well as all the universes in Me, and Myself in you
- Since Bhattacarya was an elderly man, the age of Lord Caitanya's father, He took compassion on the young sannyasi and requested Him to learn Vedanta-sutra from him
- Spiritual compassion
- Sri Maitreya said: O best amongst the Kurus, the great sage Kapila, moved by great compassion and pleased by the words of His glorious mother, spoke as follows
- Srila Sukadeva Gosvami continued: Lord Siva is always benevolent toward all living entities. When he saw that the living entities were very much disturbed by the poison, which was spreading everywhere, he was very compassionate
- Still, he (Sukadeva) was attracted by the transcendental pastimes of the SPG, and out of compassion for the people he described the transcendental historical literature called Srimad-Bhagavatam. This is compared to the light of the Absolute Truth
- Such saints (who are very interested in their own liberation) are not very compassionate, but I (Prahlada) am anxious for these fallen people who are unnecessarily working so hard simply for the gratification of the senses
- Sukadeva, out of compassion for those gross materialists who struggle to cross over the darkest regions of material existence, spoke this most confidential supplement to the cream of Vedic knowledge, after having personally assimilated it by experience
- Suta Gosvami said: Because of compassion and mental agitation, Sanjaya, not having seen his own master, Dhrtarastra, was aggrieved and could not properly reply to Maharaja Yudhisthira
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- The Blessed Lord said: Renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion and freedom from covetousness; gentleness-these transcendental qualities, O son of Bharata, belong to godly men endowed with divine nature. BG 16.1-3 - 1972
- The conclusion is that even though saintly persons have no business in political affairs, they are always compassionate upon the people in general
- The devotee who wants to elevate himself to the higher level of understanding must know that the Lord is present in every living entity, and, as stated in the previous verse (SB 3.29.23), one should be compassionate to other living entities
- The devotees, or Vaisnavas, are the most compassionate, saintly souls, and thus they ardently desire to deliver the fallen living entities. The Supreme Lord always responds to the desires of these Vaisnavas
- The doormen said: It is quite apt that you have punished us for neglecting to respect sages like you. But we pray that due to your compassion at our repentance, the illusion of forgetting the SPG will not come upon us as we go progressively downward
- The gopis urged Hamsaduta "You should therefore seek very enthusiastically to find the footprints of Krsna." This is another instance of devotional service in compassion
- The grandsire of the Kuru dynasty (Bhisma) could understand the inner meaning of the heart of his grandson Duryodhana, and out of his natural compassion for him he tried to cheer him by blowing his conchshell very loudly, as a lion. BG 1972 purports
- The great saint Narada said: O ruler of the citizens, my dear King, please see in the sky those animals which you have sacrificed without compassion and without mercy in the sacrificial arena
- The laws of nature are very stringent. If a child touches fire without knowing the effect, he must be burned, even though he is only a child. If a child violates the law of nature, there is no compassion
- The safe course is to say no. Although it is a falsehood, it protects one completely, it draws the compassion of others toward oneself, and it gives one full facility to collect money from others for oneself
- The she-demon was known as Jara, and being compassionate on the childless King, she went to the King and presented him with the nice child, The King was very pleased with the she-demon and wanted to reward her according to her desire
- The society girl Pramloca, after giving birth to the child, immediately left for the heavenly kingdom. While the child was crying, the king of the moon took compassion upon her and saved her by putting his finger into her mouth
- The symptom of a qualified king or political leader is mentioned herein - he must be very merciful and compassionate to the people and see to their prime interest, which is to become elevated devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
- The wife of Dronacarya, who was the half body of the great soul, must be treated with compassion, and she should not be put into grief because of her son's death. That is compassion
- There is another saintly compassion, "Never mind he has done so much mischievous activities, this king, still it is our duty to go to him and give him good advice so that all these disturbances may be stopped and people will become happy"
- Thereafter the child, who was left to the care of the trees, began to cry in hunger. At that time the king of the forest, namely the king of the moon planet, out of compassion placed his finger, which poured forth nectar, within the child's mouth
- These so-called philanthropists or altruists, they take a section only, do good to them, but neglect others. Neglect others. Or others are enemies. But a sadhu is equipoised. He takes compassion for all kinds of living entities
- They (Samba, Pradyumna, Caru, Bhanu and Gada) could understand that the animal was trapped and could not escape by its own effort, so out of compassion they tried to take the large lizard out of the well
- They completely control the six bad qualities - lust, anger, greed & so forth. They eat only as much as required, & they are not inebriated. They are respectful, grave, compassionate & without false prestige. They are friendly, poetic, expert & silent
- This energy can be utilized for real self-interest if one is compassionate. A person in Krsna consciousness, a devotee of the Lord, is always compassionate
- This kind of apprehension of some mishap to Krsna first of all becomes manifested as an object of lamentation, but gradually it develops into such compassionate loving ecstasy that it turns to another channel and gives transcendental pleasure
- This verse (SB 6.10.9) clearly says that one should be compassionate to all living entities. Regardless of whether human, animal, tree or plant, all living entities are sons of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
- Treating a living entity equally does not mean treating him as one would treat the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Compassion and friendliness do not necessitate falsely elevating someone to the exalted position of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
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- We must treat the lower living entities compassionately, but this does not mean that we have to treat them in the same way we treat other human beings. The feeling of equality must be there, but the treatment should be discriminating
- We should be compassionate by raising one from the material platform to the spiritual platform; otherwise at any moment our spiritual advancement may be spoiled, and we may fall down onto the material platform
- We should be compassionate to all living entities and should show them mercy
- When a father is eating food, he may, out of compassion, offer the remnants of his food to his son. Although such food may be already chewed by the father, it cannot be offered to the father again
- When Jarasandha saw Balarama and Krsna, he was a little bit compassionate because They happened to be related to him as grandsons
- When Svayambhuva Manu saw that his grandson Dhruva Maharaja was killing so many of the Yaksas who were not actually offenders, out of his great compassion he approached Dhruva with great sages to give him good instruction
- When the news reached the palace that Dhruva Maharaja was returning, his mother, Suniti, out of her great compassion & due to being the mother of a great Vaisnava, did not hesitate to take the other wife, Suruci, & her son, Uttama, on the same palanquin
- While Maharaja Santanu was on a hunting excursion, he saw the male and female children lying in the forest, and out of compassion he took them home
- With my mind fixed on Your lotus feet, I am no longer disturbed by persons who blaspheme me, claiming that my activities are not purified. I do not mind their accusations, and I excuse them out of compassion, just as You exhibit compassion
- Without knowing what is divine service, one cannot be divinely compassionate. First of all one should make his own life divine; then he can make divine compassion